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Week 12's biggest injury questions for all 32 NFL teams

NFL, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints

NFL Nation reporters assess the biggest injuries across the league for Week 12.

NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West
AFC East | AFC North| AFC South | AFC West

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys

With a short week, as the Cowboys play Thursday against the Redskins, players are tested physically to get ready, and that might be worrisome for left tackle Tyron Smith. He has been limited during the last few weeks with back and hip issues, but by the end of the week he has been able to practice and not miss games. The practices have been at "jog-through" speed, which should help Smith. He will mostly see Preston Smith (3.5 sacks), but the Redskins will rotate Ryan Kerrigan (eight sacks) and Trent Murphy (seven sacks) to give different looks. -- Todd Archer

New York Giants

Starting left guard Justin Pugh (knee) is again unlikely to play this week. The Giants are expected to take it slowly with Pugh, especially with this week's opponent, the winless Browns. Who takes his spot? Brett Jones (calf) and Marshall Newhouse (knee) are also dealing with injuries. It could come down to which of the two are healthiest come Sunday. -- Jordan Raanan

Philadelphia Eagles

Running backs Darren Sproles (broken rib) and Ryan Mathews (knee sprain) got banged up against the Seahawks, but coach Doug Pederson sounded optimistic about their chances of playing Monday night against the Packers. They'll be running behind a new-look offensive line, as Allen Barbre will move from left guard to right tackle to replace rookie Halapoulivaati Vaitai, who is expected to be on the shelf for several weeks with an MCL sprain. -- Tim McManus

Washington Redskins

The Redskins are in good shape entering Thursday's game vs. Dallas. Long snapper Nick Sundberg is uncertain because of a back injury, but others who sat out Tuesday's walk-throughs are expected to play, including left tackle Ty Nsekhe (ankle), end Chris Baker (hamstring), linebacker Preston Smith (back) and receiver DeSean Jackson (shoulder). Sundberg did not play vs. Green Bay because of his injury, prompting the Redskins to sign Rick Lovato. -- John Keim

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears

Jay Cutler's shoulder injury thrusts Matt Barkley into the starting lineup for Sunday's game against Tennessee. Barkley's only 2016 action occurred on Oct. 20 in Green Bay when he completed 6 of 15 pass attempts for 81 yards and two interceptions. Barkley's career pass rating is 34.2. The Bears will also be without tight end Zach Miller (foot) and linebacker Jerrell Freeman (PED suspension). Linebacker Leonard Floyd (neck) avoided serious injury at MetLife Stadium but is currently in the NFL's concussion protocol. -- Jeff Dickerson

Detroit Lions

The will-he or won't-he of linebacker DeAndre Levy's return to the lineup could potentially happen Thursday against Minnesota. He practiced all last week on a limited basis coming off his knee injury, and as long as he doesn't suffer a setback before Thursday, there's a chance he'll suit up for the first time since Week 1. He's a player the Lions could sorely use considering their issues covering tight ends throughout the season. If it isn't this week, it would seem next week against New Orleans would be the target. -- Michael Rothstein

Green Bay Packers

Who are the Packers going to line up at inside linebacker on Monday night against the Eagles? With Blake Martinez (knee) expected to miss multiple games and Jake Ryan's status uncertain because of the ankle injury that kept him out last week, they may have no choice but to move Clay Matthews in from outside linebacker. Matthews, of course, played at inside linebacker all of last season before returning to his natural position. -- Rob Demovsky

Minnesota Vikings

Of the many players who sat out Tuesday's practice or were limited participants before Thursday's game with the Lions, wide receiver Stefon Diggs might be the biggest concern. Diggs was listed as limited on Monday's injury report -- which was mainly conjecture, since the Vikings didn't practice that day -- and didn't do anything on Tuesday because of a knee injury. He caught 13 passes in the Vikings' first game against the Lions, and they're hoping they can count on him again in the rematch. -- Ben Goessling

NFC SOUTH

Atlanta Falcons

The status of punter Matt Bosher seems in doubt now, as the Falcons signed Matt Wile to the 53-man roster Tuesday after tight end Jacob Tamme was placed on injured reserve. Falcons coach Dan Quinn initially expressed optimism about Bosher, who also suffered a hamstring injury leading into the Denver game but still ended up punting against the Broncos. Wile was a kicker at the University of Michigan who eventually was forced into handling the punting duties. Special teams can always be a major factor in determining the outcome of a game, so we'll see how this all plays out. -- Vaughn McClure

Carolina Panthers

Have to mention two here: center Ryan Kalil and middle linebacker Luke Kuechly. Kalil reinjured his shoulder that forced him to miss two starts, and he wasn't at practice on Monday. Kuechly suffered a concussion in Thursday's win against New Orleans and also was not at practice. It's hard to imagine both of them playing on Sunday at Oakland. The offense was a mess without Kalil in the second half against the Saints. The impact of losing Kuechly won't be as big if A.J. Klein is cleared from the concussion protocol. Klein played well in the three games Kuechly missed with a concussion last season. -- David Newton

New Orleans Saints

Fantasy owners will want to find out if running back Mark Ingram is OK after he was evaluated for a concussion last Thursday. Ingram and coach Sean Payton have suggested he'll be fine, but it remains to be seen if he will miss any time. The Saints are also hoping to get back top cornerback Delvin Breaux (fibula) and left tackle Terron Armstead (knee) after an extra-long break between games. Breaux and Armstead are two of the top five players on the team and can help make a late-season playoff push if healthy. -- Mike Triplett

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Cornerback Brent Grimes played just five snaps against the Chiefs before suffering a thigh injury and leaving the game. With Jude Adjei-Barimah's four-game suspension that was just handed down, this team could be very thin at corner. Also, backup center/guard Ben Gottschalk has been placed on injured reserve. With Evan Smith still recovering from a knee injury and Joe Hawley also still dealing with knee issues, Gottschalk's loss hurts there and at guard, especially if Kevin Pamphile is still in the concussion protocol. He has already been out two weeks. -- Jenna Laine

NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals

Coach Bruce Arians' press conference on Monday was canceled because he was in the hospital after experiencing chest pains Sunday night following the Cardinals' loss, so there hasn't been an update on the health of his team. But following Sunday's game, the only injuries that could affect Sunday's game in Atlanta are a left ankle injury to left guard Mike Iupati, from which he left the game but later returned, and stingers right guard Earl Watford experienced in the second half. -- Josh Weinfuss

Los Angeles Rams

Rookie linebacker Josh Forrest injured his knee during Sunday's loss to the Dolphins and is expected to be placed on injured reserve. Forrest played when the Rams went to three-linebacker sets, though normally they use only two in Alec Ogletree and Mark Barron. Still, it's a pretty major hit for a Rams linebacking corps that was thin to begin with. On the bright side: There's a legitimate chance that all 22 of their original starters will play for a fourth consecutive week on Sunday. Few teams can match that level of health. -- Alden Gonzalez

San Francisco 49ers

Outside linebacker Aaron Lynch returned to practice last week on a limited basis, as he battles back from a high-ankle sprain. During the portions of practice open to the media, though, Lynch didn't look like a player ready to get back on the field. The Niners didn't push Lynch, holding him out against the Patriots. But they sure could use some pass rush help, and another week figures to put him closer to a return. -- Nick Wagoner

Seattle Seahawks

The defense could go into Sunday's game against the Buccaneers without two of the four starters in their secondary. Free safety Earl Thomas and right cornerback DeShawn Shead are both dealing with first-degree hamstring strains. They'll be evaluated throughout the week, but coach Pete Carroll said the injuries generally take 10 to 14 days to recover from. Given that the Seahawks have a three-game lead in the NFC West, they might be cautious with both guys to make sure Thomas and Shead are healthy down the stretch. Thomas has never missed a game in his NFL career, and Shead has started every game this season. -- Sheil Kapadia

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills

LeSean McCoy underwent thumb surgery last Sunday but is expected to play in Week 12 against the Jaguars. Wide receiver Robert Woods is doubtful because of a knee sprain suffered in last Sunday's win over the Bengals. Top receiver Sammy Watkins is eligible to come off injured reserve and play against Jacksonville, although coach Rex Ryan did not yet know Monday if Watkins would return to practice this week. -- Mike Rodak

Miami Dolphins

The status of first-round pick Laremy Tunsil remains up in the air this week. Tunsil injured his shoulder in last week's win against the Rams. His status is important, because it appears unlikely left tackle Branden Albert (wrist) and Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey (hip) will be available for Sunday's game against San Francisco. If Tunsil can't play, Miami will be without three starters on its talented line. -- James Walker

New England Patriots

Tight end Rob Gronkowski missed Sunday's win over the 49ers with a chest injury, which limited the Patriots' personnel groupings and forced Martellus Bennett to play almost every snap. The injury came as a result of a big hit by Seahawks safety Earl Thomas on Nov. 13. While the expectation was that Gronkowski wouldn't miss much time, this week will be telling to see how accurate that line of thinking truly is. -- Mike Reiss

New York Jets

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, nearly three weeks removed from a minor MCL sprain, still isn't 100 percent, but the Jets feel he's healthy enough to start on Sunday. Center Nick Mangold (ankle) has missed three games, but with the help of the bye week, he could be ready for a return against the Patriots this week. He's nearly five weeks removed from a severely sprained ankle. -- Rich Cimini

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens

Ravens coach John Harbaugh expected cornerback Jimmy Smith to play last Sunday with a back injury, but Smith missed his first game of the season. Harbaugh declined to give an update on Smith on Monday, and there should be a better indication on his availability when the Ravens return to practice Wednesday. Smith is perhaps the one player Baltimore can afford to be without on defense. In six full quarters without Smith, the Ravens have allowed quarterbacks to complete 75 percent of their passes and produce a 126.9 passer rating. -- Jamison Hensley

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals have gone from one of the healthiest teams to the opposite end of the spectrum in one game. Wide receiver A.J. Green has a hamstring strain, running back Giovani Bernard went down for the season with an ACL tear, and it's up in the air if cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and safety Shawn Williams will play Sunday in Baltimore. Expect to see more of rookie wideout Tyler Boyd now that Green is out for at least this week, and potentially beyond. -- Katherine Terrell

Cleveland Browns

Quarterback Robert Griffin III is still not ready to play with full contact, as he recovers from a broken coracoid bone, and Cody Kessler is in the concussion protocol. That puts Josh McCown back on the field. McCown's last win as a starter was Oct. 11, 2015. -- Pat McManamon

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers have finally healed up for the most part, but tight end Xavier Grimble's quad injury is sneaky important. Starter Jesse James averages 14 receiving yards per road game, and Ladarius Green has started slowly recovering from offseason ankle surgery. Grimble (10 catches, 98 yards, one touchdown) might be their most explosive pass-catcher from the tight end spot, and his status for Thursday's game in Indianapolis is in question. Running back DeAngelo Williams (knee) and wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (midfoot) are unlikely to play. -- Jeremy Fowler

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans

While the Texans have quite a few nagging injuries, their starters have been relatively healthy this week. Running back Lamar Miller, who has been dealing with injuries and had been limited for the past three games, had 24 carries for 104 yards on Monday night against the Raiders, which is the most carries he has had since Week 6 against the Colts. With backup running backs Jonathan Grimes, Alfred Blue and Tyler Ervin dealing with injuries, Miller's return to full strength comes at a good time. -- Sarah Barshop

Indianapolis Colts

There's no replacing quarterback Andrew Luck (concussion), who is not expected to play against the Steelers on Thursday night. That's a given. But they also have concerns with cornerback Vontae Davis (ankle). He was seen wearing a boot on his foot earlier this week. Defending Steelers Pro Bowl receiver Antonio Brown would be challenging enough for Davis when completely healthy. He'll really have his hands full trying to slow the speedy Brown down while bothered by his ankle injury. -- Mike Wells

Jacksonville Jaguars

Quarterback Blake Bortles is dealing with a sprained shoulder, and he'll have some stiffness and pain this week. He is expected to play against Buffalo, however. Running back T.J. Yeldon's sprained right ankle is a bigger issue, though, and he may not practice much, if at all, this week, and that makes him iffy for the Bills game. That would mean more work for Chris Ivory and Denard Robinson. -- Mike DiRocco

Tennessee Titans

Left tackle Taylor Lewan has a sprained left knee and is day-to-day after suffering the injury late in the Titans' loss in Indianapolis. If he can't go, the Titans are likely to play Dennis Kelly in his place. Kelly replaced Lewan after he was ejected early in Tennessee's big Nov. 13 win over Green Bay. He plays as tackle-eligible in three-tight end sets. The Titans could bring in Brian Schwenke at left guard and move left guard Quinton Spain to left tackle on plays in which they want Kelly in that role. -- Paul Kuharsky

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos

The Broncos have surrendered one 300-yard passing game this season -- to the Saints' Drew Brees -- and it was in one of the three games cornerback Aqib Talib missed with a low-back injury. Talib's value in the defense can't be denied. He says he's ready to return to the lineup in Sunday's game against the Chiefs, but until he makes a tackle or two, there is still some question about his readiness. He practiced fully Monday and has moved well on the practice field, but back injuries can be unpredictable, so the Broncos have their fingers crossed, because they need Talib at his left cornerback spot for their defense to be its best. -- Jeff Legwold

Kansas City Chiefs

If they didn't know it already, the Chiefs learned the value of cornerback Marcus Peters last week, when he didn't play against the Buccaneers. Quarterback Jameis Winston picked apart a secondary that included two first-year starters at cornerback. It's no coincidence the Chiefs failed to get an interception against the Bucs for the first time in five games when Peters (hip) wasn't in their lineup. The Chiefs are hopeful he'll be able to play on Sunday night in Denver, but his status early in the week is still undecided. -- Adam Teicher

Oakland Raiders

The Raiders emerged from Monday night's victory against the Texans in Mexico City relatively healthy, though middle linebacker Perry Riley Jr. appeared to be suffering from a hamstring issue during the game. The problem from a team standpoint is that, because Riley wears the green dot communication helmet, adjustments have to be made quickly when he comes out of the game, and usually Malcolm Smith assumes the green dot helmet in Riley's absence. Rookie Cory James and Ben Heeney, who's on injured reserve, have also worn the green dot thus far this season. -- Paul Gutierrez

San Diego Chargers

The Chargers should get some players back after the bye week, with wide receiver Travis Benjamin (knee), safety Jahleel Addae (clavicle) and inside linebacker Denzel Perryman (hamstring) all on target to play on Sunday against the Texans. The addition of Addae, who missed nine games this season, will provide a boost to a San Diego pass defense ranked No. 28 in the league. "He has the most experience out of everybody in the room," safety Dwight Lowery said about Addae. "So to bring his energy, physicality, passion and also knowledge of the defense is going to help us tremendously." -- Eric D. Williams

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